Students at The Artist Circle
By Justin Guzman
Cheerful voices and energetic music filled the air on March 27 as artists, dancers, students and poets showcased their talents and connected with peers at the College of Southern Nevada’s Henderson campus.
Students seemed to gravitate towards: the music, performances, prizes and the smell of free pizza.
“We’re just trying to promote student life,” said John Nunez, CSN Student Government member and official MC of the event.
Nunez says events like these are a great way for students to express themselves and boost morale.
The Artist Circle is a ASCSN Student Government-sponsored event where students have the chance to interact with each other, as well as with faculty and staff in an upbeat and outgoing social event designed to promote culture and student services.
“It really makes me excited,” said LaRisa Gipson, an enthusiastic student and event attendee. “It really helps students feel a part of something.”
In honor of women’s history month, writer and performer China Hudson recited verses from renowned poet Ntozake Shange, author of the famous 1974 stage play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf”, which was recently made into the motion picture drama “For Colored Girls” released 2012.
“I just wanted to expose them to new artists … poetry is the root. It’s where it started,” said Hudson, when asked why she decided to perform at The Artist Circle that afternoon.
“You can’t love the tree and not understand the roots,” Hudson said. Poetry is the root of rap music, she adds.
Author and illustrator Jorge Betancourt Polanco displayed creative and vibrant, hand-painted artwork. He presented the artwork from his imaginative and colorful children’s book “Dreamygirl’s Field Of Wishes”.
“The idea is to bring back the art,” said Polanco Betancourt, supporter and advocate of fine arts in public school. He says exposure to art will change our lives.
Along with the performances, several student services booths were on display. Services such as: Student Life and Leadership Development, the Athletics Department, Academic Advising and The Writing Center were on hand providing information and insights into campus activities and student life.
Events like The Artist Circle helps CSN create awareness on the assistance available to undergraduates. They create a safe and constructive atmosphere for peers to interact and engage one another.
“It makes me feel like I want to do more at CSN when I come to these events,” Gipson said.
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